Some interview questions can feel tricky. You might wonder if the person asking wants a simple answer or if they’re testing how well you think on your feet. “What are you looking for in a new job?” is one of those questions.
There are a few ways to answer this, depending on how the interviewer is acting and how the conversation is going. You’ll need to decide what feels right in the moment, so it’s smart to have a couple of responses ready before your interview.
Start by learning about the company. What are its goals? What’s the work culture like? What exactly will you be doing in this job? Then, think about your own career goals, what motivates you, and what you really want in your next job.
Why Interviewers Ask What You’re Looking For in a Job
There are a couple of reasons why interviewers ask this question. The first one is pretty simple: they want to understand what motivates you and see if your goals match what the job and company can offer.
Both you and the hiring manager are hoping for a good, long-term fit. Your answer helps them figure out if the job will use your strengths, keep you interested, and give you the opportunities you’re looking for. All of these things matter when it comes to finding someone who will stick around.
The second reason is a bit trickier: they’re trying to figure out why you’re on the job hunt. Are you leaving because of a bad experience? Are you tough to work with? Is your current job pushing you out? Your answer could give them hints that might affect how they see you.
Even if it feels personal, the question still comes up. While you can’t stop them from asking, you can decide how to answer—and what to keep to yourself.
What Interviewers Want to Hear About Your Job Search
When interviewers ask this question, they’re trying to uncover a few key things about you as a candidate. They’re not just curious about why you’re leaving your old job; they’re more interested in why this job or company caught your eye. Here’s what they’re really looking for:
Do your goals match the company’s?
They’re not just filling a seat; they want to know if your career goals line up with where the company is headed. How will you help the team succeed in the long run?
Are you motivated and excited?
Passion counts. Employers can tell when someone is genuinely excited about the job. Showing real enthusiasm makes you stand out as someone who will stay engaged and motivated.
Will you fit in?
A company is like a community, and they want to know if you’ll feel comfortable with the team. Will you blend well with the company culture? They’re trying to see if you’ll thrive in that environment.
What’s your long-term plan?
They want to know where you see yourself in the future. If you have big career plans, explain how this job is a stepping stone and why it’s a great fit for your journey.
Are you willing to go the extra mile?
They’re often looking for someone who does more than just the basics. Whether it’s stepping into leadership roles, bringing fresh ideas, or contributing to the community, they want someone who adds value.
How to Answer “What Are You Looking For in a New Position?”
Be honest about what you want
Whether you’re after better pay, more flexibility, growth opportunities, or something else, being clear about what you really want helps avoid mismatches later. For example, if you’re burned out from long hours, don’t say you’re eager to tackle endless overtime. Being upfront helps you find a role that truly suits your needs.
Connect your goals to the job requirements
After identifying what you’re looking for, return to the job description. Find where your goals align with what the company needs. If you want to make a meaningful impact, mention how the company’s mission resonates with you. If you want a more senior role, highlight your readiness to lead bigger projects. Show how the job and your aspirations fit together.
Pick the best approach
Finally, consider the tone of the interview. A relaxed interviewer might appreciate direct honesty about needing better work-life balance. A more formal setting may call for a strategy-focused answer, emphasizing how your skills support the company’s objectives and how the role aligns with your long-term plans. Either way, reflect both what you want and how you can benefit the company.
How Not to Answer
Don’t focus only on the money
Everyone wants fair pay, but avoid making money your only talking point. Employers want to know what else you value. If salary is part of your reason, frame it in a bigger context. For example, say something like, “I’m looking for a role that offers growth opportunities because taking on more responsibility and increasing my earning potential are important goals for me.” That approach makes it clear you care about professional development as well as fair compensation.
Sample Answers to “What Are You Looking For in a New Position?”
Example #1
“Recently, I’ve held marketing roles working on social media campaigns and content creation. At this stage, I’m seeking a position where I can further develop those skills and take on added responsibility. I’m excited about this opportunity because it appears to offer a chance to work on larger campaigns and team up with a creative group, gaining valuable experience along the way. I’m also interested in a company that encourages professional growth, and I noticed you provide mentorship opportunities. That focus on developing talent has genuinely influenced my final decision to apply.”
Why this works:
This approach shows you are prepared to build on your current skills while taking on more responsibility. It also highlights your interest in teamwork and professional growth, qualities that many companies value in their future leaders. By mentioning the mentorship opportunities, you demonstrate that you’ve done your research and have a genuine interest in what the company offers and stands for.
Example #2
“It’s important to me to make a positive impact through my work, so when I saw this job involves working directly with the community, I was excited to apply. I’ve been working in customer service for a few years and have developed strong communication and problem-solving skills. I’m now looking for a position where I can use those abilities in a more meaningful way and hopefully take on some leadership responsibilities as I grow in my career.”
Why this works:
This response reveals your passion for making a difference, appealing to many employers who serve communities. It also ties your past experience to the role at hand while showing that you want to grow into leadership positions. The answer balances personal motivations with what the company is probably seeking in a candidate who will thrive in their environment.
Example #3
“At this stage in my professional journey, I’m seeking a role where I can broaden my knowledge and refine my expertise while actively contributing to the team. My background in digital marketing includes hands-on experience with email campaigns, providing valuable insights into analytics. Feeling genuinely excited about the chance to work with a larger marketing team here and develop strengths in areas such as SEO and content strategy fuels my interest. Additionally, I’m looking for a workplace that offers growth opportunities, and I noticed that you promote from within and foster professional development, which is something I truly value.”
Why this works:
This answer demonstrates that you’re eager to learn and grow, a quality many employers value in dedicated professionals. It also connects your previous experiences to the skills you plan to develop further. By mentioning the company’s growth opportunities, you indicate that you’re seeking a long-term fit, something hiring managers appreciate and genuinely highly respect and admire.
Remember, the ideal answer combines honesty about what you want with an understanding of what the company needs. Showing genuine enthusiasm, highlighting how the role supports your career goals, and emphasizing how you can contribute to the company’s success creates a strong impression.